Vehicle leveling shock absorber assembly

ABSTRACT

An improved shock absorbing and leveling system for vehicles or the like is disclosed and includes a shock absorber sub-assembly and an airspring sub-assembly that can be used as either an assist device for a primary spring or as a primary spring itself. The preferred airspring sub-assembly includes a relatively rigid chamber member and a rolling flexible diaphragm member sealingly interconnected to one another, with an electrical inductance height sensor surrounding the shock absorber and contained substantially wholly within the chamber member. The airspring sub-assembly also preferably includes a diaphragm support member that laterally supports the diaphragm member on the shock absorber housing in a laterally spaced-apart relationship at least at two longitudinal positions thereon. Advantageously, the shock absorber sub-assembly and the airspring sub-assembly are independently removable from one another and replaceable as separate sub-assemblies.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to shock absorbers for vehiclesor the like, and more specifically to shock absorber assemblies havingprovisions for vehicle leveling to maintain a predetermined heightrelationship between the chassis of the vehicle and its ground-engagingwheel and axle assembly.

Various vehicle leveling systems have been included in or with shockabsorber components, wherein a pressurized fluid such as pressurized airis admitted or released from a pressurized fluid chamber in connectionwith a strut or shock absorber. In prior assemblies of this type, thepressurizable fluid chamber has been used as an air suspension devicefor assisting a primary or other suspension system, as well as beingused as a load-leveling apparatus. In addition, such prior systems haveincluded vehicle height sensing devices adapted to sense sustainedchanges in the height relationship between the chassis and theground-engaging wheel and axle assembly in order to cause admission orrelease of pressurized fluid to or from the pressuriable fluid chamberin order to maintain a desired vehicle height relationship. Some recentexamples of such suspension systems, both with and without the heightsensing provisions discussed above, include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,954,257;4,017,099; 4,067,558; 4,141,572; and 4,206,907, the disclosures of whichare all incorporated by reference herein.

Although the above-discussed prior shock absorber and suspension systemshave generally provided significant advantages over their predecessors,many of such prior shock absorber or suspension systems have proved tobe relatively expensive, complex, or inconvenient to manufacture orservice. Furthermore, many of the prior shock absorber and levelingsystems have required the replacement of both the shock absorber portionof the system, as well as the vehicle leveling portion of the system,whenever either of these components required replacement.

Therefore, it is a general object of the present invention to provide anew and improved shock absorbing and vehicle leveling system in the formof a shock absorber assembly that is adaptable to either conventionalhydraulic shock absorbers or to strut-type shock absorber devices forautomotive vehicles and for other applications.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved shock absorbing and vehicle leveling system that allows theshock absorber portion of the system and the vehicle leveling portion ofthe system to be removable and separately replaceable as independentsub-assemblies.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a shockabsorbing and vehicle leveling system wherein the shock absorber portionof the system and the vehicle leveling portion of the system areseparate sub-assemblies that are each interchangeable with othercorresponding components having different characteristics such that thecharacteristics or operating parameters of each of these sub-assembliescan be optimized for a given shock absorber assembly application.

Still another of the basic objectives of the present invention is toprovide a new and improved shock absorbing and vehicle leveling systemhaving a relatively simple design, that is economical to manufacture,and which has a long and effective operational life.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a fluidadjustable shock absorber assembly includes a shock absorber componenthaving an elongated shock absorber housing and a piston rod extendingfrom a longitudinally outer end of the housing for longitudinal movementrelative thereto, as well as a generally hollow chamber member generallysurrounding at least a portion of the shock absorber and sealinglyinterconnected with an outer end of the shock absorber's piston rod. Aflexible diaphragm member is sealingly interconnected with the chambermember and the housing of the shock absorber such that the chambermember and the diaphragm member define a pressurizable fluid chamberwith the shock absorber's piston rod and housing. An electricalinductance sensing device is fixedly attached to the chamber member,which is preferably relatively rigid, and is contained substantiallywholly therein for sensing the relative longitudinal positions of theshock absorber housing and piston rod. The electrical inductance sensingdevice can be used either with or without the pressurizable fluidchamber and diaphragm. Preferably, the electrical inductance sensingdevice is fixedly interconnected with a longitudinally inner end of thechamber member and extends longitudinally outwardly therewithin. A fluidpressure supply system is operable in response to the sensing of thevarying relative longitudinal positions of the shock absorber housingrelative to the piston rod for supplying a pressurized fluid to, andventing pressurized fluid from, the pressurizable fluid chamber in orderto adjust or maintain the relative longitudinal positions of the shockabsorber housing and piston rod within predetermined limits. By suchadjustments, the shock absorber assembly maintains the vehicle heightrelative to its ground-engaging axle and wheel assembly withinpredetermined desirable limits.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, which can beemployed either with or without the above-mentioned features of thepresent invention, a diaphragm support member is provided for laterallysupporting at least a portion of the flexible diaphragm member in alaterally spaced-apart relationship with the shock absorber housing atleast at a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart positions on the shockabsorber housing. Preferably, the diaphragm support member, which issealingly interconnected with the flexible diaphragm member, isremovably and sealingly interconnected with the shock absorber housing,and the diaphragm member is sealingly and removably interconnected withthe piston rod, such that the diaphragm support member and the diaphragmmember (as well as a relatively rigid chamber member, if any) areremovable as a separate sub-assembly from the shock absorber itself.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, whichcan also be employed with or without the various features mentionedabove, the pressurizable fluid chamber includes a longitudinally fixedportion of the chamber member or other enclosure in part forming thefluid chamber, a flexible diaphragm member, and a sensor support memberfor the above-mentioned electrical inductance sensing device. The sensorsupport member and the sensing device generally surround the shockabsorber and are spaced laterally outwardly therefrom. The sensorsupport member includes a laterally outwardly-extending flange thereon,and the longitudinally fixed portion of the fluid chamber enclosure isforcibly and permanently deformed in a generally laterally inwarddirection on opposite longitudinal sides of the support member flangeportion in order to fixedly secure the sensor support member toenclosure. Preferably, a ring, which can be a one-piece structure or acomposte structure, and which can be resilient or relatively rigid, isdisposed on at least one longitudinal side of the support member flangeportion in order to retain the sensing device components and/or toresiliently protect the sensor support member and the sensor deviceitself as the longitudinally fixed portion of the fluid chamberenclosure is forcibly deformed laterally inwardly.

Additional objects, advantages, and features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic and schematic representation of a preferredembodiment of the shock absorbing and leveling system of the presentinvention, shown generally in operative association with a typicalautomotive vehicle depicted in phantom lines.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a shock absorber assemblywith a vehicle leveling system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the shockabsorber assembly of FIG. 2, illustrating the assembly when the housingand piston rod of the shock absorber are in generally intermediaterelative longitudinal positions.

FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to that ofFIG. 3, but illustrating the housing and piston rod of the shockabsorber in extended relative longitudinal positions.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to that of FIGS. 3and 4, but illustrating the housing and piston rod of the shock absorberin retracted relative longitudinal positions.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detailed view of a cap member installable on thelongitudinal outer end of the shock absorber housing for removablyengaging and supporting the diaphragm support member of the shockabsorber assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5, shown with the shockabsorber piston rod extending therethrough.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view of one optionalembodiment of the mechanism by which the diaphragm support member isremovably attached to the shock absorber housing at one of thespaced-apart longitudinal positions thereon.

FIG. 8 is a detailed partial side-elevational view illustrating anotheroptional embodiment of the mechanism by which the diaphragm supportmember is attached to the housing of the shock absorber.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along line 9--9of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view illustrating oneoptional embodiment of the mechanism by which the sensor device supportmember is secured to the chamber member of the shock absorber assemblyillustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view similar to that ofFIG. 10, but illustrating another optional embodiment of the sensorsupport member attachment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the shockabsorbing and vehicle leveling system of the present invention, asadapted for use as a shock absorber assembly in an automotive vehicle.Although the present invention is shown in the exemplary embodimentsdepicted in the drawings as including a relatively conventionalhydraulic shock absorber sub-assembly, one skilled in the art willreadily recognize from the following discussion that the principles ofthe present invention are equally applicable to strut-type shockabsorber assemblies or sub-assemblies, to conventional or strut-typeabsorber assemblies either with or without suspension coil springssurrounding the shock absorber assembly, as well as to shock absorberassemblies of thoer types adapted for other applications.

In FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 is shown in operative association with apreferred embodiment of a shock absorbing and vehicle leveling system 12in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle 10 includes asprung portion, generally referred to as a body or chassis 14, and anunsprung axle and wheel portion 16, between which main or primarysuspension springs 18 can be interposed. A number of shock absorberassemblies 20 (of which only one is shown) can be included in thevehicle 10 for any or all of the vehicle's axle assemblies and areadapted to be selectively pressurized from a source of fluid pressure,such as an electrically energized air compressor 22. It should be notedthat the shock absorber assemblies 20 can be the only suspension springsfor the vehicle 10, or can be used in conjunction with other suspensionspring components.

The compressor 22 is electrically energized from a conventional vehiclebattery 24, which is electrically connected to an electrical controlmodule 26 by way of an electrical conductor 28. The control module 26 isin turn connected to the compressor 22 by way of a suitable electricalconductor 30, with a suitable safety fuse 32 preferably being providedin the electrical circuit between the battery 24 and the remainder ofthe electrical components.

The compressor 22 supplies pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air,for example, through a fluid conduit 34 to a control valve device 36,another fluid conduit 38, a fluid conduit fitting 40, and a fluidconduit 42 to the shock absorber assembly 20. Typically, a second fluidconduit 44 is connected between the fitting 40 and a second shockabsorber assembly (not shown).

When the vehicle 10 becomes heavily loaded, the control module 26receives a signal (from a sensing device described below) indicatingsuch loaded condition from the shock absorber assembly 20 in a mannerdescribed in more detail below. In response to a signal indicating thatthe vehicle is heavily loaded and the vehicle height is too low, thecontrol module 26 energizes the compressor 22 and causes operation ofthe control valve device 36 in order to cause pressurized fluid to besupplied to the shock absorber assemblies 20, thereby raising the sprungportion 14 of the vehicle 10 to a predetermined desired level. When thevehicle 10 is unloaded, the control module 26 will similarly causeactuation of the control valve device 36 to vent pressurized fluid fromthe shock absorber assemblies 20 to the atmosphere in order to cause thesprung portion 14 of the vehicle 10 to be lowered to a predetermineddesired level.

The shock absorber assembly 20, which is typical of the shock absorberassemblies of the vehicle 10, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 through5. The shock absorber assembly 20 includes a shock absorber portion orsub-assembly generally indicated by reference numeral 50, which can be adirect-acting hydraulic shock absorber, for example. The shock absorber50 includes an elongated cylinder or housing 52 and a reciprocablepiston rod 54 extending longitudinally outwardly from one end of thehousing 52 for longitudinal movement relative to the housing 52. Thepiston rod 54 is connected to a reciprocable piston (not shown) that isslidably and reciprocably received within the housing 52. In order todampen relative movement between the sprung portion 14 of the vehicle 10and the unsprung axle and wheel assembly 16, the lower end of thehousing 52 is adapted to be secured to the unsprung axle and wheelassembly 16, or some other unsprung portion of the vehicle 10, by way ofa lower end fitting 56. Similarly, the upper or longitudinally outer endof the piston rod 54 is adapted to be connected to the sprung portion 14of the vehicle 10 by way of an upper end fitting assembly 58. Theconnections of the lower and upper end fitting assemblies 56 and 58 withthe unsprung and sprung vehicle portions 16 and 14, respectively, areconventional and well-known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, suchconnections are not discussed in further detail herein.

The shock absorber assembly 20 also includes a chamber member 60, whichalso functions as a dirt or dust shield, and which is generally hollowand positioned in a generally surrounding relationship with at least aportion of the shock absorber 50, A longitudinally outer portion of thechamber member 60 is fixedly interconnected with the longitudinallyouter end of the piston rod 54 and sealed therewith by a sealing member62. A rolling flexible diaphragm member 64 has an outer end 68 sealinglyinterconnected with an optionally necked-down portion 76 of the chambermember 60 by a crimp member 78, or by other suitable mechanisms forsealingly attaching the diaphragm member 64 to the chamber member 60 inorder to define a pressurizable fluid chamber 65 with the shock absorber50. A diaphragm support member 70, which is preferably a generallyelongated tubular structure, preferably surrounds, and is laterallyspaced outwardly from, the housing 52. The diaphragm member 64 issealingly interconnected with an optionally necked-down portion 72 ofthe diaphragm support member 70 by a crimp member 74, or by othersuitable mechanisms for sealingly attaching the diaphragm member 64 tothe diaphragm support member 70. It should be noted that the chambermember 60, the diaphragm member 64, and the diaphragm support member canbe either concentrically or eccentrically disposed with respect to theshock absorber 50, and that the diaphragm member 64 can alternatively besealingly interconnected directly to the housing 52 in manyapplications.

The diaphragm support member 70 laterally supports at least a portion ofthe diaphragm member 64 in a laterally-outwardly spaced-apartrelationship with the housing 52 preferably at least at a pair oflongitudinally spaced-apart positions on the housing 52. The diaphragmsupport member 70 is removably interconnected with the housing 52 atsuch longitudinally spaced-apart positions preferably by a cap member 80and a supporting ring 86. The preferred arrangement, by which thediaphragm support member 70 is spaced away from the housing 52 at leastat a pair of longitudinal positions, reduces any tendency of the supportmember 70 to contact and rattle against the housing 52.

The cap member 80 has an opening 82 extending longitudinallytherethrough for receiving the piston rod 54 inserted therethrough. Thecap member 80 is preferably a generally cup-shaped structure adapted tobe press-fitted or otherwise tightly receive the longitudinally outerend of the housing 52 in order to fixedly attach the cap member 80 tothe housing 52. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cap member 80 preferablyincludes a coating of elastomeric material 84 at least on its laterallyoutward side, and also preferably on its upper or longitudinally outerend surface. The cap member 80 also preferably includes a number ofstiffening or strengthening ribs 88 extending laterally along itslongitudinally outer surface and longitudinally along its laterallyouter side. The elastomeric material 84 on the cap member 80, which canbe a vulcanized rubber or other suitable elastomer, resiliently engagesand laterally supports the diaphragm support member 70 in a laterallyspaced-apart relationship with the housing 52. Such resilient engagementwith the necked-down portion 72 of the diaphragm support member 70allows the diaphragm support member 70 to be frictionally and removablyattached to, and laterally supported by, the cap member 80 at one of theabove-mentioned longitudinal positions on the housing 52.

At its opposite longitudinal end, the diaphragm support member 70 isremovably interconnected with, and longitudinally supported by, thesupporting ring 86, which is fixedly secured to the housing 52 in afluid-type relationship therewith, such as by welding or by othersuitable high-strength and fluid-tight attachment means. The supportingring 86 includes a flange portion 90 extending laterally outwardly inorder to longitudinally support the diaphragm support member 70 when thediaphragm support member 70 is installed on the shock absorber 50. Anelastomeric O-ring or other sealing member 92 is sealingly disposedbetween the supporting ring 86 and the diaphragm support member 70 inorder to insure that the pressurizable fluid chamber 65 is fluid-tight.When the fluid chamber 65 is pressurized with air or other fluid, thepressure of the fluid exerts a generally longitudinallydownwardly-directed or longitudinally inwardly-directed, force using thediaphragm support member 70 against the flange portion 90 of thesupporting ring 86 and thus maintains the diaphragm support member 70 ina longitudinally fixed position relative to the housing 52. Therefore,no further interconnection between the diaphragm support member 70 andthe supporting ring 86 is needed in order to keep the air springsub-assembly (chamber member 60, diaphragm member 64, and diaphragmsupport member 70) on the shock absorber 50 during use. However, inorder to temporarily, but removably, attach the air spring sub-assemblyto the shock absorber 50 during shipping or installation of the shockabsorber assembly 20, or in other instances when the fluid chamber 65 isnot pressurized, one embodiment of the invention includes at least onepin member 94 removably insertable through an opening 96 in thediaphragm support member and into an opening 98 in the supporting ring86.

An optional arrangement of the temporary and removable interconnectionbetween the diaphragm support member and the supporting ring isillustrated in FIG. 7, wherein an alternate supporting ring 186 iswelded or otherwise fixedly secured to the shock absorber housing 52 andincludes at least one slot or groove 102 extending in a laterally inwarddirection therein. An alternate diaphragm support member 170 isessentially identical to diaphragm support member 70 described above,except that the opening 96 is replaced by one or more tab members 104that are bendably deflectable into the slot or groove 102 in thesupporting ring 186 in order to removably interconnect the diaphragmsupport member 170 with the shock absorber housing 52 during shipping,installation, or other instances when the fluid chamber 65 (discussedabove) is not pressurized.

In still another optional arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, stillanother alternate diaphragm support member 270 is substantiallyidentical to diaphragm support member 70 described above, except for theprovision of an outwardly-flared portion 271 having at least one opening296 extending laterally therethrough. An alternate supporting ring 286is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the shock absorber housing 52as described above, and includes a slot or groove 202 extendinglaterally inwardly therein. An interconnection ring 206 is interposedbetween the diaphragm support member 270 and the supporting ring 286.The interconnection ring 206 includes at least one laterallyinwardly-directed tab portion 207 and at least one laterallyoutwardly-directed tab portion 208 thereon.

When the diaphragm support member 270 in FIGS. 8 and 9 is installed onthe shock absorber 50, with the interconnection ring 206 interposedbetween the diaphragm support member 270 and the supporting ring 286,the tab portion 207 interlockingly engage the slot or groove 202 in thesupporting ring 286, and the tab portion 208 interlockingly engage theopening 296 in the diaphragm support member 270. Because theinterconnection ring 206 is preferably composed of a resilient syntheticmaterial, the tab portions 207 and 208 are resiliently deflectablelaterally outwardly and inwardly, respectively, in order to allow thediaphragm support member 270 to be conveniently and removablyinterconnected with the shock absorber housing 52 by way of thesupporting ring 286, with the longitudinally inner end of the diaphragmsupport member 270 engaging a laterally outwardly-extending flangeportion 209 of the interconnection ring 206. As was mentioned above,such removable interconnection of the diaphragm support member 270 withthe shock absorber housing 52 is needed only during shipping orinstallation of the shock absorber assembly 20, on in other instanceswhen the fluid chamber 65 is not pressurized. It should be noted thatany of the optional interconnection arrangements shown in FIGS. 7through 9 may be optionally interchanged with that shown in FIGS. 3through 5.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 5, the piston rod 54 and theshock absorber housing 52 move longitudinally relative to one anotherbetween expanded positions, as shown in FIG. 4, and retracted positions,as shown in FIG. 5, in response to increased or decreased loads betweenthe sprung chassis portion 14 and the unsprung axle and wheel portions16 of the vehicle 10. As mentioned above, the fluid chamber 65 can bepressurized by compressed air or other fluid in order to compensate forsustained increased or decreased loads on the vehicle 14. Suchpressurized fluid is admitted to, or vented from, the fluid chamber 65by way of a fitting 46 on the chamber member 60 and the fluid conduit44, as discussed above.

In order to determine whether or not pressurized fluid should beadmitted or vented from the fluid chamber 65, or to merely sense shockabsorber positions if the above-described air-pressure diaphragm is notincluded, an electric inductance sensor 73 can be provided for sensingthe longitudinal position of the housing 52 relative to the piston rod54, and is fixedly attached to the chamber member 60 and contained andprotected substantially wholly therein. The electrical inductance sensor73 generally includes an electrical inductance coil 75 fixedlyinterconnected with a longitudinally inner end 77 of the chamber member60 by way of a coil support member 79. The coil support member 79 andthe electrical inductance coil 75 generally surround at least a portionof the shock absorber 50 and are laterally spaced-apart from the shockabsorber 50 in a laterally outward direction. The electrical inductancecoil 75 and the coil support member 79 extend generally in alongitudinal outward direction within the chamber member 60, where theyare protected from dirt, dust, foreign objects, and other hazards of thevehicle undercarriage environment.

Preferably, the coil support member 79 includes a laterallyoutwardly-extending flange portion 81 fixedly interconnected with thechamber member 60, with the electrical inductance coil being positionedon a laterally outward side of the coil support member 79 and alongitudinally outward or upper side of the flange portion 81. Theelectrical inductance coil 75 and the coil support member 79 are fixedlyinterconnected with the chamber member 60 by the inner end 77 of thechamber member 60 being forcibly and permanently deformed in a generallylaterally inward direction on opposite longitudinal sides of the flangeportion 81.

In order to hold the electrical inductance coil 75 between the coilsupport member 79 and the inner end 77 of the chamber member 60, a ring83 is disposed on at least one, or both, longitudinal sides of theflange portion 81. If necessary to resiliently protect the coil supportmember 79 and the electrical inductance coil 75 from damage orundesirable distortion as the inner end 77 of the chamber member 60 isforcibly deformed laterally inwardly, the ring 83 can be a resilientisolating ring. In one such embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 10, the ring 83 can be a composite structure including an innerportion 85 composed of a synthetic resinous material and an outerportion 87 composed of a resilient elastomeric material. In thisembodiment, the resilient outer portion 87 is resiliently compressedbetween the inner portion 85 and the longitudinally fixed inner end 77of the chamber member 60 as the inner end 77 is forcibly deformedlaterally inwardly. Preferably, the inner portion 85 includes agenerally longitudinally-extending sleeve 89 and a generallylaterally-extending lip 91, with the resilient outer portion 87 beingresiliently compressed between the inner end 77 of the chamber member 60and the sleeve 89 and the lip 91, as illustrated in FIG. 10. By such anarrangement, both the flange portion 81 of the coil support member 79and the electrical inductance coil 75 are protected from damage duringthe deformation of the inner end 77 of the chamber member 60.

An optional embodiment of the ring 83 is shown in FIG. 11, wherein thealternate ring 183 is a one-piece structure, which can also optionallybe composed of a synthetic resinous material that is resilientlycompressible as the inner end 77 of the chamber member 60 is forciblydeformed around the flange portion 81 of the coil support member 79. Itshould be noted that in either of the optional and interchangeableembodiments of the ring 83 or 183, the ring holds the electricalinductance coil 75 in place and can be used to maintain the chambermember 60 and the electrical inductance coil 75 in a laterallyspaced-apart relationship in order to protect the electrical inductancecoil 75 from undesirable damage or deformation, as well as optionallyproviding a degree of resiliency to also protect the coil support member79 and its flange portion 81 from undesirable damage or deformation. Itshould be noted, however, that either the ring 83 or the ring 183 can bea relatively rigid structure instead of the resilient structuredescribed above.

In operation, the electrical inductance sensor 73 functions to sensesustained changes in the relative longitudinal positions of the shockabsorber housing 52 and the piston rod 54, thereby sensing changedloadings on the vehicle 10. This is accomplished by the control module26 causing an electrical current to be imposed through the electricalinductance coil 75. As more or less of the housing 52 and/or thediaphragm support member 70 moves longitudinally outwardly or inwardlywithin the electrical inductance coil 85, the overall inductance of thecoil 75 is changed due to the presence of more or less of the mass ofthe housing 52 and/or diaphragm support member 70 therewithin. Bymeasuring the changes in the electrical current through the electricalinductance coil 75, as caused by the changes in the inductance of thecoil 75, the control module 26 causes the compressor 22 to be actuatedin order to admit more pressurized air or other fluid into the fluidchamber 65, or alternatively to cause the control valve device 36 tovent pressurized air or other fluid in the fluid chamber 65 to theatmosphere, in order to cause the shock absorber 50 to expand orretract, respectively, to the desired relative longitudinal positionbetween the housing 52 and the piston rod 54, thereby returning thevehicle 14 to a desired predetermined level or height. By such anarrangement, the shock absorber assembly 20 functions as aheight-sensing and height-adjusting device that maintains the vehicle ata desired height, and wherein the airspring sub-assembly can be used aseither an assist device for the above-mentioned primary spring 18, or asa primary spring itself.

It should be noted that in any of the embodiments of the inventiondescribed above, the shock absorber sub-assembly 50 and the airspringsub-assembly, which generally consists of the chamber member 60, thediaphragm member 64, the diaphragm support member 70, and the electricalinducatance sensor 73, can be removed and replaced independently of oneanother. This feature greatly enhances the utility and convenience ofthe shock absorber assembly 20, as well as significantly reducing thecost of servicing and repairing the vehicle's shock absorbing andleveling system.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes exemplary embodimentsof the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognizefrom such discussion that various changes, modifications and variationsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid adjustable shock absorber assemblycomprising:a shock absorber having an elongated housing, a pistonslidably movable within said housing, a diaphragm support memberconnected to the outer periphery of said housing and a piston rodattached to said piston and extending longitudinally outwardly from oneend of said housing for longitudinal movement relative to said housing;a generally hollow chamber member generally surrounding at least aportion of said shock absorber and sealingly interconnected with alongitudinally outer end of said piston rod, said chamber member beingspaced laterally outwardly relative to said shock absorber, a flexiblediaphragm member having a first and second end portion, respectively,sealingly interconnected with said chamber member and said supportchamber, said members collectively defining a pressurizable fluidchamber with said piston rod and said housing; fluid pressure supplymeans operable for supplying a pressurized fluid to and from saidpressurizable fluid chamber; a generally longitudinally extending hollowcoil support tube encircling a portion of said shock absorber in alaterally spaced-apart relationship therewith and having a portion ofits outer periphery encircled by a portion of said chamber member, saidcoil support tube having a generally laterally extending flange thereonfixedly interconnected with said chamber member, an electrical coilfixedly attached to said support tube outer periphery and contained inthe interior of said chamber member for sensing the longitudinalposition of said housing relative to said piston rod, the inductance ofsaid electrical coil varying in response to varying longitudinalpositions of said housing relative to said piston rod; and control meansfor operating said fluid pressure supply means in response to thesensing of the longitudinal position of said housing relative to saidpiston rod by said electrical coil.
 2. The invention according to claim1, wherein said diaphragm support member is connected to the outerperiphery of said housing at two longitudinally spaced-apart positionsthereon, further comprising a generally cup-shaped cap member having anopening extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving said pistonrod inserted therethrough, said cap member being fixedly attached tosaid housing at a first of said longitudinally spaced-apart positionsthereon with a portion of said housing extending into said cap member,said diaphragm support member being removably attached to and laterallysupported by said cap member at said first of said longitudinallyspaced-apart positions on said housing.
 3. The invention according toclaim 2, wherein said cap member includes a coating of elastomericmaterial on at least a laterally outward portion thereof, said diaphragmsupport member being removably engaged and laterally supported by saidelastomeric material when said diaphragm support member is installed onsaid shock absorber.
 4. The invention according to claim 2, furthercomprising a supporting ring fixedly attached to said housing at asecond of said longitudinally spaced-apart positions thereon, saidsupporting ring having a laterally outwardly-extending protuberancethereon, said diaphragm support member being removably attached to saidsupporting ring at said second of said longitudinally spaced-apartpositions on said housing and being longitudinally supported on alongitudinally outer side of said protuberance on said supporting ring,and sealing means sealingly interposed between said diaphragm supportmember and said supporting ring.
 5. The invention according to claim 4,further comprising at least one pin member removably insertable throughan opening in said diaphragm support member and into an opening in saidsupporting ring in order to removably attach said diaphragm supportmember to said supporting ring.
 6. A fluid adjustable shock absorberassembly comprising:a shock absorber having an elongated housing, apiston slidably movable within said housing, and a piston rod attachedto said piston and extending longitudinally outwardly from one end ofsaid housing for longitudinal movement relative to said housing; agenerally hollow enclosure generally surrounding at least a portion ofsaid shock absorber and defining a pressurizable fluid chambertherewith, at least a portion of said enclosure being longitudinallyfixed relative to said piston rod; an electrical inductance sensingmeans disposed within said enclosure for sensing the longitudinalposition of said housing relative to said piston rod; a generallytubular sensing means support member generally surrounding said shockabsorber and spaced laterally outwardly therefrom, said support membersupporting said sensing means on a laterally outer side thereof andincluding a flange portion extending laterally outwardly therefrom, saidlongitudinally fixed portion of said enclosure being forcibly andpermanently deformed in a generally laterally inward direction onopposite longitudinal sides of said support member flange portion inorder to fixedly secure said support member to said enclosure; and aresilient isolating ring disposed on at least one longitudinal side ofsaid support member flange portion in order to resiliently protect saidsensing means support member and said sensing means as saidlongitudinally fixed enclosure portion is forcibly deformed laterallyinwardly.
 7. The invention according to claim 6, wherein said isolatingring is a one-piece structure composed of synthetic resinous material.8. The invention according to claim 6, wherein said isolating ring is acomposite structure including an inner portion composed of syntheticresinous material and an outer portion composed of resilient elastomericmaterial, said resilient outer portion being resiliently compressedbetween said inner portion and said longitudinally fixed enclosureportion as said longitudinally fixed enclosure portion is deformed. 9.The invention according to claim 8, wherein said inner portion includesa generally longitudinally-extending sleeve and a generallylaterally-extending lip, said resilient outer portion being resilientlycompressed between said longitudinally fixed enclosure portion and saidsleeve and lip.
 10. The invention according to claim 6, wherein saidlongitudinally fixed enclosure portion is maintained in a laterallyoutwardly spaced-apart relationship relative to said sensing means aftersaid longitudinally fixed enclosure portion is deformed.
 11. Theinvention according to claim 6, wherein said enclosure includes aflexible disphragm member sealingly attached to said longitudinallyfixed portion of said enclosure, and a diaphragm support membergenerally surrounding at least a portion of said housing and laterallyspaced outwardly therefrom, said diaphragm member being fixedly andsealingly attached to said diaphragm support member, and said diaphragmsupport member being sealingly attached to said housing.
 12. Theinvention according to claim 11, wherein said diaphragm support memberis removably attached to said housing at two longitudinally spaced-apartpositions on said housing.
 13. The invention according to claim 12,further comprising a generally cup-shaped cap member having an openingextending longitudinally therethrough for receiving said piston rodinserted therethrough, said cap member being fixedly attached to saidhousing at a first of said longitudinally spaced-apart positions thereonwith a portion of said housing extending into said cap member, saiddiaphragm support member being removably attached to and laterallysupported by said cap member at said first of said longitudinallyspaced-apart positions on said housing.
 14. The invention according toclaim 13, wherein said cap member includes a coating of elastomericmaterial on at least a laterally outward portion thereof, said diaphragmsupport member being removably engaged and laterally supported by saidelastomeric material when said diaphragm support member is installed onsaid shock absorber.
 15. The invention according to claim 13, furthercomprising a supporting ring fixedly attached to said housing at asecond of said longitudinally spaced-apart positions thereon, saidsupporting ring having a laterally outwardly-extending protuberancethereon, said diaphragm support member being removably attached to saidsupporting ring at said second of said longitudinally spaced-apartpositions on said housing and being longitudinally supported on alongitudinally outer side of said protuberance on said supporting ring,and sealing means sealingly interposed between said diaphragm supportmember and said supporting ring.
 16. The invention according to claim15, further comprising at least one pin member removably insertablethrough an opening in said diaphragm support member and into an openingin said supporting ring in order to removably attach said diaphragmsupport member to said supporting ring.
 17. A fluid adjustable shockabsorber assembly comprising:a shock absorber having an elongatedhousing, a piston slidably movable within said housing, and a piston rodattached to said piston and extending longitudinally outwardly from oneend of said housing for longitudinal movement relative to said housing;a generally hollow chamber member generally surrounding at least aportion of said shock absorber and sealingly interconnected with alongitudinally outer end of said piston rod, said chamber member beingspaced laterally outwardly relative to said shock absorber, a flexiblediaphragm member sealingly interconnected with said chamber member andsaid housing, said chamber member and said diaphragm member defining apressurizable fluid chamber with said piston rod and said housing; agenerally tubular diaphragm support member generally surrounding saidhousing for laterally supporting at least a portion of said diaphragmmember in a laterally spaced-apart relationship with said housing atleast at longitudinally spaced-apart first and second longitudinalpositions thereon; electrical inductance sensing means fixedly attachedto said chamber member and contained therein for sensing thelongitudinal position of said housing relative to said piston rod; agenerally tubular sensing means support member generally surroundingsaid shock absorber and spaced laterally outwardly therefrom, saidsensing means support member supporting said sensing means on alaterally outer side thereof and including a flange portion extendinglaterally outwardly therefrom, a portion of said chamber member beingforcibly and permanently deformed in a generally laterally inwarddirection on opposite longitudinal sides of said flange portion in orderto fixedly secure said sensing means support member to said chambermember; a resilient isolating ring disposed on at least one longitudinalside of said support member flange portion in order to resilientlyprotect said sensing means support member and said sensing means as saidportion of said chamber member is forcibly deformed laterally; fluidpressure supply means operable for supplying a pressurized fluid to andfrom said pressurizable fluid chamber; and control means for operatingsaid fluid pressure supply means in response to the sensing of thelongitudinal position of said housing relative to said piston rod bysaid sensing means.
 18. The invention according to claim 17, whereinsaid electrical inductance sensing means comprises an electrical coil,the inductance or said electrical coil varying in response to varyinglongitudinal positions of said housing relative to said piston rod. 19.The invention according to claim 18, wherein said isolating ring is aone-piece structure composed of synthetic resinous material.
 20. Theinvention according to claim 18, wherein said isolating ring is acomposite structure including an inner portion composed of syntheticresinous material and an outer portion composed of resilient elastomericmaterial, said resilient outer portion being resiliently compressedbetween said inner portion and said portion of said chamber member assaid portion of said chamber member is deformed.
 21. The inventionaccording to claim 20, wherein said inner portion includes a generallylongitudinally-extending sleeve and a generally laterally-extending lip,said resilient outer portion being resiliently compressed between saidportion of said chamber member and said sleeve and lip.
 22. Theinvention according to claim 20, wherein said chamber member ismaintained in a laterally outwardly spaced-apart relationship relativeto said sensing means after said portion of said chamber portion isdeformed.
 23. The invention according to claim 22, wherein saidresilient isolating ring is spaced laterally outwardly of said sensingmeans in order to substantially prevent damage to said sensing means.24. The invention according to claim 17, wherein said diaphragm memberis fixedly and sealingly attached to said diaphragm support member, andsaid diaphragm support member is sealingly attached to said housing. 25.The invention according to claim 24, further comprising a generallycup-shaped cap member having an opening extending longitudinallytherethrough for receiving said piston rod inserted therethrough, saidcap member being fixedly attached to said housing at said firstlongitudinal position thereon with a portion of said housing extendinginto said cap member, said diaphragm support member being removablyattached to and laterally supported by said cap member at said firstlongitudinal position on said housing.
 26. The invention according toclaim 25, wherein said cap member includes a coating of elastomericmaterial on at least a laterally outward portion thereof, said diaphragmsupport member being removably engaged and laterally supported by saidelastomeric material when said diaphragm support member is installed onsaid shock absorber.
 27. The invention according to claim 26, furthercomprising a supporting ring fixedly attached to said housing at saidsecond position thereon, said diaphragm support member being removablyattached to and longitudinally supported by said supporting ring at saidsecond longitudinal position on said housing.
 28. The inventionaccording to claim 27, wherein said supporting ring includes a flangeportion extending laterally outwardly therefrom, said flange portionlongitudinally supporting said diaphragm support member when saiddiaphragm support member is installed ons aid shock absorber.
 29. Theinvention according to claim 28, wherein said chamber member, saiddiaphragm member and said diaphragm support member are removable as asub-assembly from said shock absorber.
 30. The invention according toclaim 17, further comprising a supporting ring fixedly attached to saidhousing at a second of said longitudinally spaced-apart positionsthereon, said supporting ring having a laterally outwardly-extendingprotuberance thereon, said diaphragm support member being removablyattached to said supporting ring at said second of said longitudinallyspaced-apart positions on said housing and being longitudinallysupported on a longitudinally outer side of said protuberance on saidsupporting ring, and sealing means sealingly interposed between saiddiaphragm support member and said supporting ring.
 31. The inventionaccording to claim 30, further comprising at least one pin memberremovably insertable through an opening ins aid diaphragm support memberand into an opening in said supporting ring in order to removably attachsaid diaphragm support member to said supporting ring.
 32. In a shockabsorber assembly having a pair of members longitudinally movablerelative to one another, and sensing means for sensing the relativelongitudinal positions of said movable members, the improvementcomprising:an enclosure including an enclosure member longitudinallyfixed relative to one of said movable members, a housing, a flexiblediaphragm member sealingly attached to said longitudinally fixedenclosure member, and a diaphragm support member generally surroundingat least a portion of said housing and laterally spaced outwardlytherefrom, said diaphragm member being fixedly and sealingly attached tosaid diaphragm support member, and said diaphragm support member beingremovably, sealingly attached to said housing at longitudinallyspaced-apart first and second positions thereon; a sensing means supportmember for supporting said sensing means within said enclosure member, aflange portion of said sensing means support member extending laterallyoutwardly therefrom, a portion of said enclosure member beingpermanently deformed in a generally inward lateral direction on oppositelongitudinal sides of said sensing means support member flange portionin order to secure said sensing means support member to said enclosuremember; and a ring member disposed generally between said support memberflange portion and said deformed portion of said enclosure member inorder to retain said sensing means on said sensing means support member.33. The invention according to claim 32, wherein said ring member is aresilient isolating member spaced laterally outwardly of said sensingmeans in order to substantially prevent damage to said sensing means andsaid sensing means support member flange portion as said enclosureportion is deformed.
 34. The invention according to claim 33, whereinsaid isolating member is a one-piece structure composed of syntheticresinous material.
 35. The invention according to claim 33, wherein saidisolating member is a composite structure including an inner portioncomposed of synthetic resinous material and an outer portion composed ofresilient elastomeric material, said resilient outer portion beingresiliently compressed between said deformed portion of said enclosuremember and said inner portion.
 36. The invention according to claim 33,wherein said isolating member is spaced laterally outwardly relative tosaid sensing means.
 37. The invention according to claim 33, whereinsaid sensing means support member, said sensing means and said enclosuremember are all generally cylindrical in configuration, said sensingmeans being disposed generally concentrically within said enclosuremember and said sensing means support member being disposed generallyconcentrically within said sensing means, said sensing means supportmember generally surrounding said movable members and being spacedlaterally outwardly thereof, said isolating member being generallyring-shaped and disposed generally concentrically between said sensingmeans and said enclosure member on at least one longitudinal side ofsaid sensing means support member flange portion.
 38. The inventionaccording to claim 37, wherein said isolating member is a one-piecestructure composed of synthetic resinous material.
 39. The inventionaccording to claim 37, wherein said isolating member is a compositestructure including an inner portion composed of synthetic resinousmaterial and an outer portion composed of resilient elastomericmaterial, said resilient outer portion being resiliently compressedbetween said deformed portion of said enclosure member and said innerportion.
 40. The invention according to claim 39, wherein said innerportion includes a generally longitudinally-extending sleeve and agenerally laterally-extending lip, said resilient outer portion beingresiliently compressed between said deformed portion of said enclosuremember and said sleeve and lip.
 41. The invention according to claim 32,further comprising a generally cup-shaped cap member having an openingextending longitudinally therethrough for receiving a piston rodinserted therethrough, said cap member being fixedly attached to saidhousing at said first longitudinally spaced-apart position thereon witha portion of said housing extending into said cap member, said diaphragmsupport member being removably attached to and laterally supported bysaid cap member at said first of said longitudinally spaced-apartpositions on said housing.
 42. The invention according to claim 41,wherein said cap member includes a coating of elastomeric material on atleast a laterally outward portion thereof, said diaphragm support memberbeing removably engaged and laterally supported by said elastomericmaterial when said diaphragm support member is installed on said shockabsorber.
 43. The invention according to claim 41, further comprising asupporting ring fixedly attached to said housing at a second of saidlongitudinally spaced-apart positions thereon, said supporting ringhaving a laterally outwardly-extending protuberance thereon, saiddiaphragm support member being removably attached to said supportingring at said second of said longitudinally spaced-apart positions onsaid housing and being longitudinally supported on a longitudinallyouter side of said protuberance on said supporting ring, and sealingmeans sealingly interposed between said diaphragm support member andsaid supporting ring.
 44. The invention according to claim 43, furthercomprising at least one pin member removably insertable through anopening in said diaphragm support member and into an opening in saidsupporting ring in order to removably attach said diaphragm supportmember to said supporting ring.